On Dealing With Ambiguity
(2 min read) Using the W.I.N. Framework to guarantee success
Dealing with Ambiguity is an attribute that’s present in the career ladder of every tech company. It’s simple, straightforward, and has no ambiguity with the attribute definition itself.
“Dealing with Ambiguity” implies that senior engineers and leaders should be able to deal with ambiguous situations, find a solution, and lead the team/company through it to success.
Interestingly, when you ask engineers/leaders how they deal with ambiguity, they share an anecdote and not their approach.
And that’s what we will discuss today.
Simple Framework to Deal with Ambiguity
Keep an eye on the goal but focus on the next step.
Now you may say, “that’s simple. I know that.”
Before you dismiss it, give the next para a read.
Dealing with Ambiguity can be done by using W.I.N. (What’s Important Now) framework.
Watch the following 5 minutes video where the tennis coach describes and implements the W.I.N. framework. Yes, it is a tennis video, but it applies to this post 100%.
Summary: Focus on What’s Important Next. Ask this question every day whether you are facing an ambiguous situation or not always guarantee progress.
What’s Important Next or What’s Next is also one of my go-to questions when coaching and mentoring people. I ask my kids these questions when they are building legos, doing homework, or being stuck with some chore. It helps them make progress.
Surprisingly, most people know the answer but get overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the problem that they can’t see the next step. Asking this question gives an idea of where to focus.
The best part about the W.I.N. framework is that we can apply it to any situation, ambiguous or not. I have applied it in tennis, for IC promotions, planning and delivering significant projects as an I.C.s, changing jobs, etc.
The other reason I find this framework effective is because it’s simple, easy to remember, and takes less than 2 seconds to apply. Now that’s hard to beat.
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